Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. This switch provides a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished' typing experience, with stability and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is praised for being budget-friendly while still delivering a satisfying typing experience with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and bouncy feel. It is categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow are quite similar, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. The similarities in the top housing material mean that users can expect a consistent sound and feel when typing on either switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a more muted bottom-out sound.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a unique typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch. This split in housing materials allows for a balance of crispness and fullness in the sound profiles of these switches, catering to different preferences for typing sounds and tactile feedback.
Weight
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally sensitive to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary requires 65 grams while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 67 grams, making the G Pro 3.0 Yellow slightly heavier to press all the way down. The difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly firmer typing experience on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow compared to the CAP Anniversary. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches would provide similar results due to their equal actuation force. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, you may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience with both switches will be very similar in terms of the distance the switch travels. Thus, you can expect to get similar results in terms of keypress depth and feedback when using either the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its smooth and quiet typing experience, with a lower pitched sound profile due to its unique CAP structure. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offers a higher pitched and clacky sound when pressed, creating a more distinct and lively auditory feedback. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, with the CAP Anniversary leaning towards a quieter typing experience and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow providing a more vibrant and engaging sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is described as snappy and creamy, offering a responsive and smooth typing experience that feels lively and refined. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow, on the other hand, is also described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize a polished and refined typing experience, with the CAP Anniversary emphasizing responsiveness and smoothness, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow focuses on a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary is known for its smoothness and quiet operation, ideal for those seeking a refined and subdued typing experience. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher pitched and more lively sound profile, paired with a creamy and polished feel for a vibrant and engaging typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their personal typing style and sensory preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, it really comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch that offers exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly switch with a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow could be the better option. Ultimately, consider your personal typing preferences and priorities when making your decision between these two switches.
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